With a fresh month here, I think it is a good time to be putting money to work in quality businesses.

The good news for investors is that there are plenty of ASX 200 shares with strong long-term growth outlooks that have pulled back from recent highs, potentially creating a buying opportunity.

If I had $6,000 to invest this month, these are three shares I would be comfortable buying.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is one of those businesses that benefits from a structural shift that is still playing out.

More and more financial advisers are consolidating onto platform providers that offer better technology and user experience. Netwealth has been a clear winner from that trend.

What I like is the consistency of growth. Funds under administration continue to rise, supported by strong inflows and adviser adoption. As that base grows, so does the company’s recurring revenue.

There is also operating leverage in the model.

As more funds flow onto the platform, earnings can scale faster than costs over time. That is exactly the type of setup I want in a long-term compounder.

It may not look cheap even after recent weakness, but I think the quality of the business justifies that premium valuation.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is a very different kind of growth story. This is a consumer brand, but one that has successfully expanded beyond Australia and built a global presence.

What stands out to me is how the company continues to grow through a combination of new product development and international expansion.

Its coffee segment remains a major driver, and the broader premium appliance category appears to be holding up well, even in a more cautious consumer environment.

I also like the brand strength. Breville has positioned itself at the premium end of the market, which can support margins and help differentiate it from lower-cost competitors.

Retail can be cyclical, but I think Breville has shown it can navigate different environments while continuing to grow over time.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan brings something different again. This is a business with exposure to communications technology, defence, and increasingly, drone and counter-drone systems.

That last point is particularly interesting to me. The role of drones in modern conflict is expanding rapidly, and with that comes demand for technologies that can detect, manage, and neutralise them.

Codan is positioning itself within that ecosystem through its communications and tactical solutions.

At the same time, it still has a strong metal detection business, which provides another source of earnings.

That combination gives it both stability and exposure to long-term growth themes.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $6,000 this month, I would be looking for a mix of structural growth, strong execution, and long-term potential.

Netwealth offers platform-driven growth in financial services. Breville provides global consumer expansion with a premium brand. Codan gives exposure to defence and communications, including the growing drone and counter-drone market.

Each has a clear pathway to growth over time. And that is what I want to be buying for the long term.

The post 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy this month with $6,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more
• Why I’d buy DroneShield and these ASX 200 shares next month
• My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April
• 3 strong ASX growth shares I want to buy in April
• Hub24 vs Netwealth: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy now?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Codan. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) shares have been strong performers so far in 2026.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare stock closed on Wednesday trading for $38.90 apiece.

That sees the share price up 13.2% since market close on 31 December, which compares very favourably to the 0.8% loss posted by the benchmark index over this same period.

Atop those share price gains, the ASX 200 healthcare stock also pays dividends. Over the past 12 months, Ramsay Health Care has paid out 82.5 cents a share in fully franked dividends.

At Wednesday’s closing price, that sees the stock trading on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.1%.

And looking to the months ahead, Sanlam Private Wealth’s Remo Greco believes the private hospital and care centre operator is well-positioned to keep outperforming (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Ramsay Health Care shares today?

“The private hospital operator posted a better than expected first half year result for fiscal year 2026,” Greco said, citing the first reason he has a buy recommendation on Ramsay Health Care shares.

“Revenue of $9.3 billion from contracts with customers was up 9.7% on the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax of $171.7 million was up 8.1%,” he noted.

Ramsay Health Care CEO and managing director Natalie Davis was clearly pleased with those results, released on 26 February.

“Ramsay’s positive momentum has continued in the first half of FY26, with revenue, EBIT and NPAT growth as we execute on our three core priorities to improve performance and returns to shareholders,” Davis said on the day.

Moving on to the second reason Greco is bullish on the stock is the company’s decision to divest its 52.79% shareholding in European private health care provider Ramsay Santé.

“RHC is spinning off its European business, which we believe paints a brighter outlook,” Greco said.

Commenting on the rationale for the divestment in February, Ramsay Health Care stated:

The proposal to separate recognises the fundamentally different geographic focus, strategies and capital profiles of Ramsay and Ramsay Santé. The board believes that a separation would enhance shareholder value over time.

Among the potential benefits, the board noted the separation will enable Ramsay to simplify its portfolio and allow management to focus on “the transformation and growth potential of its core Australian hospitals business”.

Which brings us to the third reason you might want to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today.

Namely, the company’s growing passive income potential.

“The fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents was up 6.3% and potentially points to a stronger final dividend for the full year,” Greco concluded.

The post 3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX healthcare stocks are set to thrive as the population ages
• Here’s why Ramsay Health Care shares have been demolishing the stock market
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 32 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been a wild ride for this erratic ASX healthcare stock.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) surged to $29.72 nearly a year ago, only to crash around 72% to $8.26 in February. In the past month the ASX healthcare stock has clawed its way back jumping 34% higher to $13.66 at the time of writing.

That kind of volatility can shake out even seasoned investors. But here’s the twist: brokers are still firmly in the bullish camp and they see serious upside ahead.

So, given that the biotech stock is still 50% down over 12 months, could this sell-off be a golden opportunity? Here’s three reasons why Telix shares might be worth a closer look.

Not your typical biotech story

First, this is a very different kind of biotech story. Telix isn’t a speculative, pre-revenue company hoping for its first breakthrough. It develops radiopharmaceuticals used in cancer diagnosis and treatment — a niche that combines precision medicine with complex manufacturing and global distribution.

More importantly, it’s already commercial.

That’s a big deal. While many biotech peers are still waiting on approvals, this ASX healthcare stock is generating real revenue and scaling globally. As more of its products gain regulatory clearance and adoption grows, revenue has the potential to ramp up quickly.

This means its growth is driven less by macro conditions — and more by clinical uptake. That can create volatility, but also powerful upside.

Doubling down on growth

Second, the revenue growth is hard to ignore.

Telix recently reported full-year revenue of US$803 million, up a massive 56% year-on-year. And it’s not slowing down.

Management expects revenue to hit between US$950 million and US$970 million this year — pushing it comfortably toward the US$1 billion mark.

At the same time, the company is doubling down on future growth, with research and development spending forecast between US$200 million and US$240 million.

That’s exactly what long-term investors want to see: strong top-line growth backed by continued innovation.

Major opportunity, limited competition

Third, there’s a major opportunity emerging with limited competition.

Telix is making big strides in brain cancer, one of the toughest areas in oncology. It has submitted a European marketing application and resubmitted to the U.S. FDA for its TLX101-Px imaging agent targeting glioblastoma.

Here’s what makes this exciting: there are currently no widely available commercial alternatives. That gives the $4.4 billion ASX healthcare stock a rare chance to enter an underserved market with high demand and limited direct competition.

If approved, this could unlock a powerful new growth engine.

What next for the ASX healthcare stock?

According to TradingView data, all 16 analysts covering Telix rate it as a buy or strong buy. The average 12-month price target sits around $23.97, implying roughly 75% upside from current levels.

Some forecasts are even more aggressive, pointing to $31.59 — a potential gain of more than 130%. Meanwhile, Bell Potter has a buy rating and a $19.00 price target on the ASX healthcare stock, suggesting around 40% upside.

For investors willing to ride the volatility, this explosive ASX healthcare stock could be gearing up for its next big move.

The post 3 reasons to buy this red-hot ASX healthcare stock today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March
• Up 57% since February, why Telix shares could keep leaping higher in 2026
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are searching for a combination of major upside and an above-average dividend yield, then look no further than the ASX 200 stock in this article.

That’s because the team at Bell Potter believes its shares can deliver both over the next 12 months.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is bullish on right now is Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN).

It is of course one of Australia’s largest retailers with a growing network of stores selling electronic and household goods across the globe.

Bell Potter has been looking at its recent half-year result and while it was a touch softer than expected, it remains positive. It said:

Harvey Norman (HVN)’s 1H26 result back in February saw some minor misses, however with aggregate system sales +7% and the least variance in the Australian Franchising division supported by strong franchising operations margins.

The Australian business saw comparable sales growth easing towards the ~1% level (as per BPe) in the last 6 weeks of 1H (21-Nov to 31-Dec) as HVN cycled ~9% comps. The month of Jan in 2H26 started at a slightly better 3.6% comparable sales growth in Australia (cycling +2.1%), however tougher comps 2H to be cycled in Feb-Jun. The Home, Lifestyle and Technology categories have remained robust during 1H26.

Major upside and a big dividend yield

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $6.70 (from $8.30).

Based on its current share price of $4.87, this implies potential upside of 38% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, it is expecting the ASX 200 stock to provide investors with a generous 6.1% fully franked dividend yield over the period. This boosts the total potential return to over 44%.

Bell Potter thinks its shares are being undervalued by the market at just 13x forward earnings. Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN’s well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks. Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN’s 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock can rise 38% and pay a 6% dividend yield appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 20 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 3 ASX dividend shares to double up on right now
• Where to invest $20,000 for dividend income on the ASX
• JB Hi-Fi vs. Harvey Norman: Which is the better retail buy?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Technology shares have had a volatile period, but sentiment is starting to improve.

After a tough stretch driven by war in the Middle East, higher interest rates, AI concerns, and valuation de-ratings, investors are beginning to look ahead again.

As conditions stabilise and confidence returns, the tech sector has historically been one of the first to rebound.

Importantly, many technology stocks and tech-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) are still trading below their previous highs. That could create an opportunity for investors who are willing to take a longer-term view.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth buying for a potential tech rebound.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF to consider for the tech rebound is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund provides investors with exposure to some of the largest and most influential technology companies across Asia. But what makes it particularly interesting right now is how differently these businesses operate compared to their Western peers.

Many Asian tech companies have built integrated ecosystems that combine payments, ecommerce, entertainment, and social platforms into a single experience. This creates strong user engagement and multiple revenue streams within the same platform.

While sentiment towards the region has been volatile, the long-term drivers remain intact. Digital adoption continues to rise, and large populations are becoming increasingly connected. This bodes well for its holdings, which include WeChat owner Tencent (SEHK: 700) and Temu owner PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD). This fund was recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Another ASX ETF that could be a top pick for the tech rebound is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund focuses on Australian technology shares, offering exposure to a mix of software, platforms, and digital infrastructure businesses.

What makes this ETF interesting is that many of its holdings are still in earlier stages of their growth journeys compared to global giants. This can mean higher volatility, but also greater upside if conditions improve. This includes Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

For investors wanting exposure to local tech innovation, this ETF provides a direct way to access that opportunity. It was recently recommended by a number of analysts at Catapult Wealth.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A third ASX ETF to consider for the tech rebound is the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

It gives investors exposure to the Nasdaq 100, which includes many of the world’s leading technology and growth companies.

What stands out here is the scale and profitability of these businesses. Unlike earlier-stage tech companies, many Nasdaq leaders generate significant cash flow and have entrenched positions in global markets.

These companies are also at the centre of major trends such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services. As these themes continue to evolve, they could drive the next phase of growth.

With sentiment improving and valuations having reset from previous highs, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers a way to invest in global tech leaders as the sector looks to rebound.

The post 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy for the tech rebound appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold after the selloff
• Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX ETF: experts
• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a very strong session and stormed higher. The benchmark index jumped 2.25% to 8,671.8 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to rise

The Australian share market looks set for another rise on Thursday following a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 13 points or 0.15% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.6%, the S&P 500 is up 0.9% and the Nasdaq is 1.25% higher.

Buy Harvey Norman shares

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the retail giant’s shares with a reduced price target of $6.70. Based on its current share price of $4.87, this implies potential upside of 38%. It said: “Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN’s 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.”

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Thursday after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.6% to US$99.73 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.8% to US$101.03 a barrel. This has been driven by optimism that a US-Iran peace deal is near.

Graincorp shares are fully valued

The team at Bell Potter has also been looking at Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares. However, it thinks the grain exporter’s shares are fully valued at current levels and has retained its hold rating and $6.80 price target. It said: “As the focus shifts to the upcoming crop, soil moisture profiles are in general the opposite of a year ago, being improved in the south and drier in the north. At this stage, the increasing shift in outlook towards an El Nino bias in 2HCY26 warrants consideration against potential yield outcomes.”

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 2.4% to US$4,658.4 an ounce. A softer US dollar gave the precious metal a lift.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 charges higher again as relief rally gathers pace
• How ASX 200 energy shares like Santos, Beach and Woodside surged in March’s sinking market
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in March
• How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The market has been incredibly volatile this year, with many shares making heavy declines.

This can scare many investors off. But there are signs that now could actually be the best time to buy ASX shares.

Optimism crept back into the market this week, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index rising 2.2% on Wednesday amid hopes that the war in the Middle East could soon come to an end.

While one strong session does not confirm a trend, it can signal a change in tone.

ASX share valuations still look compelling

What makes the current setup particularly interesting is that many high-quality ASX 200 shares are still trading well below their previous highs.

This includes names like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

These are not speculative businesses. They are established companies with strong competitive positions, global exposure, and long-term growth drivers. Yet despite this, their share prices have pulled back materially in recent periods.

That disconnect between business quality and share price performance is often where opportunity begins to emerge.

Markets move before confidence returns

One of the challenges with investing is that markets are forward-looking.

By the time the outlook feels clear and positive, share prices have usually already moved higher. In contrast, when uncertainty is still present but conditions are beginning to stabilise, valuations can remain relatively attractive.

This creates a window where the risk-reward balance for ASX shares may be more favourable.

It is not about picking the exact bottom. That is almost impossible to do consistently. Instead, it is about recognising when sentiment is shifting while prices still reflect a degree of caution.

Why long-term investors pay attention to these moments

For long-term investors, these periods can be particularly important.

Buying high-quality ASX shares when they are out of favour but still executing well has historically been one of the more reliable ways to build wealth over time.

Of course, risks remain. Economic conditions are still mixed and geopolitical uncertainty has not disappeared. But markets do not wait for perfect clarity before moving. They tend to turn when expectations are low and begin to improve.

That is why now could be the time to consider buying ASX shares. Sentiment may be shifting, but many opportunities are still on the table.

The post The best time to buy shares? It might be right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are investors running scared of WiseTech shares?
• 2 ASX stocks that could help turn $10,000 into $1 million
• Why Arafura Rare Earths, Eagers Automotive, Life360, and Pro Medicus shares are racing higher today
• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday?
• How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Cochlear, Pro Medicus, ResMed, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, ResMed, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Cochlear, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) has been one of the strongest performers over the past six months, rising by around 130%, as shown in the chart below.

When it comes to a return of that size, I think it’s a good idea to remember that disclaimer that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

I’m certainly not expecting another 130% rise in the next six months.

But it is worth considering whether the ASX-listed lithium share is a buy and could rise from here.

What do experts make of the PLS Group share price?

According to CMC Invest, of 13 ratings on the business over the last three months, six have been buys, six have been holds, and one has been a sell.

However, due to the strength of the recent rise – it’s up 25% this year alone – it has flown past previous price targets. A price target is where experts think the business will be trading in 12 months from the time of the rating.

Of those 13 ratings, the average price target is $4.72. That suggests a possible decline of more than 12% from where it is at the time of writing.

The most optimistic price target is $5.53, suggesting a potential 2% rise.

The lowest price target is $2.47, implying a possible decline of more than 50% over the next 12 months.

Is the ASX lithium share good value?

I can understand why the market is more excited about the business. The lithium price has increased, and the Middle East conflict has highlighted the risks of being dependent on fossil fuels, including how the cost can jump if the supply is impacted.

Electric vehicles look a lot more appealing, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see elevated demand for the foreseeable future.

I’m not sure how much this will accelerate global demand for (lithium) batteries across cars, trucks, and heavy equipment, but I believe this will certainly help significantly.

It is somewhat surprising how much the PLS Group share price has risen – it’s back to where it was a few years ago, but the lithium price is still significantly lower.

The earnings estimate on CMC Invest suggests the business could generate 23.6 cents of earnings per share (EPS) in FY27. That means that it’s valued at more than 22x FY27’s estimated earnings.

I’m optimistic about long-term demand for lithium because of electrification and energy storage requirements. I also believe PLS Group will continue growing its total production over time to supply that demand

However, this doesn’t seem like a good time to invest unless the lithium price were to rise significantly from here.

I’d look at other opportunities available to Australians.

The post Should I buy PLS Group shares in April? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX lithium shares ‘compelling’ as top broker adjusts ratings
• 3 reasons to buy this high flying ASX lithium stock for the long term
• The war in Iran has inspired an unexpected ASX 200 market trend

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Fretful investors are cautious about Australian sharemarket volatility right now. But sometimes, the murky markets are a great time to refocus attention on income-paying ASX dividend stocks.

Here are three reasons why now could be the perfect time to add some ASX dividend stocks to your portfolio.

1. ASX dividend stocks offer a reliable income in an uncertain market

Dividend stocks are usually relatively defensive assets. Many of these companies are large and stable, which means they’re able to weather the storm over the long term. 

This means they can offer a steady cash flow even during economic volatility, unlike high-growth shares that can swing wildly.

2. Many high-quality dividend shares have pulled back from recent highs

The past four to six weeks have been incredibly volatile for the Australian share market. 

Geopolitical uncertainty, conflict in the Middle East, global supply chain distribution, rising inflation rates, and another interest rate hike have created a wave of panic.

Investors are even shying away from traditional safe-haven assets.

This means that many high-quality dividend-paying stocks have pulled back from their recent highs.

While the share price decline might look alarming, it creates some great entry points for investors who want to buy ASX dividend shares cheaply.

For example, premier blue chip BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) lost 15% of its share price value in March. The high-yield dividend stock often yields around 4% to 6%, fully franked. It has a long history of regular dividend payments dating back to 2006. 

3. Dividend yields are better than ever

Because so many high-quality dividend shares have fallen from recent highs, their dividend yields are even more attractive than they were just one year ago. 

Take reliable ASX dividend-paying companies such as Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), for example.

The telco has a predictable cash flow, reliable earnings, and a dividend payout ratio close to 100% of its earnings. Last month, investors received an interim 10.5-cent dividend, 90.48% franked, and it expects to pay an even larger 20-cent final dividend for FY26. That’s a 5.25% increase year on year and implies a yield of around 3.8%.

Then there is real estate manager Dexus (ASX: DXS), whose shares have tumbled 15% year to date. The company is currently offering a dividend yield of around 6.4%. In 2025, Dexus paid shareholders a yield of around 5.56% to 5.76%.

The post Why now could be the perfect time to buy ASX dividend stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is Telstra stock a buy at $5.37 a share?
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio
• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices
• 5 reasons why I’d buy Telstra shares for passive income

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There is a difference between a business breaking and sentiment turning.

Right now, I think WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) is firmly in the second category.

Its share price has fallen heavily, down over 50% over the past 12 months. That kind of move naturally raises questions. Has the growth story changed? Is the best behind it?

From where I sit, I think investors are becoming cautious at the wrong time.

The market is focusing on the short term

There are a few reasons why WiseTech shares have come under pressure.

The integration of e2open, margin impacts from restructuring, and broader concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption across software stocks have all weighed on sentiment.

On top of that, the company’s reported profit has been affected by amortisation and acquisition-related costs, which can make the numbers look weaker at first glance.

But when I look at the underlying business, I see something different.

Revenue continues to grow strongly, with total revenue up 76% and CargoWise revenue up 12% in the first half. Cash flow is also increasing, highlighting the strength of the underlying model.

That does not look like a business losing relevance.

AI could strengthen, not weaken, its position

One of the more interesting parts of the recent update is how management is thinking about artificial intelligence.

Rather than seeing it as a threat, WiseTech is leaning into it.

The company is embedding AI across its platform to drive automation, improve efficiency, and deepen its integration into customer workflows.

I think that matters. WiseTech’s software sits at the centre of global logistics and supply chains. It is deeply embedded, highly specialised, and supported by decades of industry-specific data.

In my view, that type of position is hard to replicate. If anything, AI could increase the value of that ecosystem by making the platform more powerful and more essential to customers.

Insider confidence is worth noting

Another detail that stood out to me was the CEO buying shares on market. Zubin Appoo recently purchased just over $1 million worth of shares following the company’s trading blackout period.

I always take insider buying as a positive signal.

It does not guarantee anything, but it does suggest confidence from someone with a deep understanding of the business.

This is still a long-term growth story

For me, WiseTech has always been about a very specific idea. Becoming the operating system for global trade.

That is a massive opportunity.

The company already serves thousands of logistics companies across more than 190 countries, and its platform continues to expand in scale and capability.

It is also transitioning its commercial model toward transaction-based pricing, which I think aligns well with long-term growth in global trade volumes.

There will be bumps along the way. Large acquisitions take time to integrate. Margin profiles can shift. And technology cycles can create uncertainty.

But none of that, in my view, changes the long-term direction.

Foolish Takeaway

I think the recent sell-off in WiseTech shares says more about market sentiment than it does about the underlying business.

Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there is execution risk. But the company continues to grow, invest in its platform, and position itself for the next phase of its evolution.

With the share price down significantly, I believe the risk-reward has become more attractive for long-term investors.

The post Are investors running scared of WiseTech shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday?
• Xero, WiseTech shares jump higher today: Is this the beginning of a rebound?
• Is now the perfect time to buy ASX growth shares?
• 3 ASX tech stocks that belong in every long-term portfolio
• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.